The Age of Elegance

There are three words to describe the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Christmas Party: FOOD, FUN, and FELLOWSHIP. The event was once again held at the Lobster Shanty Restaurant in Toms River, on Friday, December 11th. The FOOD was delicious and was served by a courteous and attentive waite staff. There was a cash bar, and a mimosa fountain which flowed amply all evening long. The FUN was provided all night long by the great musical team of Steve and Debbie Berger. During dinner, they played background music, that did not interfere with people's conversations. Afterwards, they performed all the songs on everyone's wish list, from sentimental ballads, to lively line dance tunes. During Steve's rendition of "It's a Wonderful World", couples stopped dancing, and others in the room quieted down to listen to the lyrics. His tender voice brought sighs and a tear or two out of the guests. Debbie did wonderful solos of her own. Her alto voice is clear and mellow to the ear. Toge...

Despite the chilly temperatures, crowds of people gathered for the Atlantic City Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 28th. The parade route started at the beginning of Atlantic Avenue at the monument, ending at the outlet shops. On hand for the annual event "braving the elements" were eight elegant ladies from the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. They road atop a gleaming and colorful holiday float, that came especially equipped with seats, thus making the ride more comfortable. The entourage included: Bernadette Dudek, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2009, and members of The Queen's Court; Rebecca Orsatti, Kay Vique, and Carol Lelli. Other ladies in attendance were: Johanne Santori, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT STATE DIRECTOR, Barby Jo Crema, Marge Wanamaker, and Agnes Raimondi. They dazzled the crowd, each one stunningly dressed, and sporting the latest in "haute fur couture." Waving and smiling, they threw candy to the children along the parade route. Everyone ...

On the evening of Saturday, September 12th, Josephine Araniti, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2007, gave a show at the Greenbriar II Clubhouse in Brick where she resides. The following article is a reprint from the November 2009 edition of THE BRIAR II NEWS, written by Mr. Ren Relli, which has been expanded for clarification purposes. A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS It's becoming an annual R & A event (at Greenbriar II), when on September 12th, Josephine Araniti dazzled our residents once again with an eclectic array of songs that included: a French Art song, operatic arias, 60's pop, R & B, country, inspirational, patriotic and Broadway melodies. The theme of this year's show, A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS, meant that there was something for everyone. She even did a comedy routine entitled her "Job Resume", a cute play on words which was quite funny. With her sidekicks as backup, "The Fabulous Four", familiar GBII residents were: Jack McGuigan, Michael Bocchino...

MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2010 CAN YOU IMAGINE YOUR LIFE AFTER 60? WE CAN! Helping, Educating, Entertaining As A Contestant, You Can Be All That! FOR BROCHURE, INFORMATION & APPLICATION CALL: (609) 822 -7441 visit our blog: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.blogspot.com

This photo entitled, WOMEN ON THE CLOCK, was coupled with the poem, ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, and was featured on the internet recently. It sends an impressive message about the power of women. It is prefaced by the following quote, although short, it too, is equally impressive. "God dosen't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be". ONE FLAW IN WOMEN Women have strengths that amaze men... They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in .. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. Th...

The news article below is straight from the office of THE IN - HOUSE PLAYERS. Their upcoming production , "SANTA AND THE PSYCHIATRIST", is for the benefit of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMEICA PAGEANT 2010. An hilarious comedy which is sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone, after a sumptuous and delicious Sunday dinner that is included. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PLEASE READ!

From left to right: Jo Ann Gordon, MSNJSA 2008, Vice President; Dale Maglia, President; Agnes Traschetti, Secretary; and Joan Kaplan, Treasurer. The ladies of the New Jersey Cameo Club held their final meeting of the year, on Wednesday, October 14th, at the Dover Senior Center in Toms River. A tasty luncheon was served, that was catered by Cafe Italia, Route 37 Toms River, consisting of chicken in a mushroom sauce, pasta, green salad, and a delicious homemade potato salad, provided by Dolores Peronace. Several scrumptious desserts were compliments of Jo Ann Gordon. The meeting followed, in which many topics were discussed quickly, in order to allow plenty of time on the agenda for the Club's main purpose: the election of the new slate of officers who will serve the New Jersey Cameo Club for the next two years. Fourty members attended the meeting to cast their ballots. The voting procedure was done by secret paper ballot. The ballots were collected and tallied by Marge Wanamaker an...

This year, MSNJSA State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori, requested a vintage car for Queen Bernadette. Here they are pictured in the shiny green convertible, vintage ala late 1920's, with MS STAFFORD 2009, standing alongside. Delores Puzio NJ CAMEO CLUB President and MSDESA 2008, also found a vintage car, courtesy Seaside Parade Marshal. She is seated in white fur, with Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA 2007, and Jo Ann Gordon, MSNJSA 2008. They are pictured smiling and wavng, but the article below, reveals a different story. The weather on Sunday, October 11th, was perfect, sunny and unusually warm, and there was hardly any breeze. The New Jersey Queens began to feel warm, so they shed the weight of their fur coats, soon after these photos were taken. NJSA State Director, Johanne Santori had a friend who lives in Atlantic City and owns that green vintage automobile. While she and her husband Adeo drove up the Garden State Parkway in their stylish car, (and who knows how fast he drove),...

NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASE, The Regency in Toms River, July 23, 2009 Recently, one of my Cameo Club sisters gave me this picture, since I am in it, as a keepsake. (I am the lady on the far right, chest out, proudly wearing my MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2007 banner). As I gazed further at it, a proverb came to mind, "a picture is worth a thousand words". So, I would like to share my thoughts on what I see in this photo and what it means to me. It was a very hot summer day, the kind of day that one should stay home and avoid the hot sun and oppressive humidity. Yet, our sisters turned out in large numbers to entertain for the residents at the Regency. The center is dedicated to working with people who are in all stages of Alzheimers Disease. The NJ Cameo Club joins with the Regency, by bringing our own kind of love and cheer to these very special and needy people. The next thing I noticed, was the wide age range and the variety of our active performers. Of course, I woul...

Bernadette Dudek, MSNJSA 2009, dressed in a beautiful blue beaded gown, proved to be an impressive contestant in this year's MSSA Pageant, as she came in 3rd runner up. Here she is with MSNJSA State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori, who is equally dressed for the occasion, as she smiles with pride at Bernadette in appreciation for a job well done. To the left of Queen Bernadette is Jo Ann Gordon, MSNJ 2008, and on the right, is MSNJSA State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori. Bernadette with MSNJSA State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori, and to the left are Sandra Greco, MSSA 2003, and MSVASA 2009, Maureen Fitzpatrick Ribble. The MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2009 QUEEN'S COURT. Bernadette Dudek, MS NEW JERSEY, 3rd runner up, stands elegant and statuesque, next to reigning Queen Gayle King, from New York. Next to her is Maureen Fitzpatrick Ribble, MS VIRGINIA SA, 4th runner up. Next to Gayle is Barbara Travis, MS MISSISSIPPI SA, 1st runner up, and on the far left is Dianne Wilso...

BERNADETTE DUDEK MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2009 Our reigning queen, Bernadette Dudek, is excited and is busily preparing for the upcoming MS SENIOR AMERICA NATIONAL PAGEANT 2009. Candidates from all over the United States and US territories will travel to Atlantic City, to compete for the coveted title of MS SENIOR AMERICA 2009. Queen Bernadette will represent the Garden State. The event will take place at Harrah's Hotel and Resort, during the week of October 4th through 8th. The Preliminary show, is Tuesday, October 6th, and the Final Pageant is Wednesday, October 7th. Both shows will be held in the Concert Venue Theater and will start at 1:00 pm sharp. Tickets can be purchased at the box office which opens daily during pageant week at 9:00 am. There are several stories about Queen Bernadette in this blog. Please click the months of June and July to read about her achievements. Also, her biography and photo are in Senior America's national website, http://www.senioramerica...

At Absecon Manor, Delores Puzio finds a willing dance partner. NJ State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori, entertains with a lovely song, at Absecon Manor The summer of 2009 was set ablaze by the stellar performances from the elegant ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB. For the first time, Our Ambassadors of Love charmed audiences in the southern part of the State, in the cities of Ocean City, Absecon, Atlantic City, and Northfield. One evening in particular was a NJCC Showcase, on June 17th, at Greenbriar North in Marlboro for the Deborah Club Banquet and Ball. After the show, the ladies were invited to a lavish dinner. Many people from the audience stopped by their table to congratulate them on their fine performances. Then, on Sunday July 19th, the ladies performed on the boardwalk at the Kennedy Mall in Atlantic City. The weather was absolutely perfect, and many people packed the outdoor theater for the 4:00 pm show. This show is a special one for NJCC, because the show lasts two ...

Manchester Town Council President Craig Wallis read the Proclamation of Achievement, and Vice-President Councilman Fred Trutkoff presented the plaque to Queen Bernadette Dudek. An entourage of queens! Pictured from left to right are: Norma McGhie, 1995; MSNJSA State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori, 2006; Queen Bernadette Dudek, MSNJSA 2009; Jo Ann Gordon, 2008; and Josephine Araniti, 2007. The courtroom at Manchester Town Hall was alive with excitement, on Monday, July 13th, as family, friends, NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB ladies, and citizens of Manchester came to honor Queen Bernadette Dudek. A resident of Manchester who resides in La Renaissance Adult Community, Bernadette was awarded a PROCLAMATION OF ACHIEVEMENT by Mayor Michael Fressoli and the Manchester Town Council, for having won the title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2009. Bernadette was among 12 very talented and elegant ladies, age 60 and over, who came from all around the State of New Jersey, and graced the stage of the C...

Here are some photos taken by Debby Berger, which were in the PHOTO GALLERY , an online news publication, by THE TIMES, OF TRENTON, on Friday, June 5th. Many thanks to Debby for her coverage. Pianist Elva Lawrence, MSNJSA 1987, played a medley of popular songs that had the audience singing along. Operatic soprano, Josephine Araniti, MSNJSA 2007, sang "Signore, Ascolta", from Puccini's opera, TURANDOT. Emcee Helen Halpin McCarney, MSSA 2005, did several comedy routines. Here she is, imitating the legendary, comedian, Jimmy Durante. The following are the Talent Presentations from the Class of 2009, (not necessarily in this order): Not pictured is Eileen T. Renders, nutritionist, Egg Harbor Township. "A Presentation of Health Issues". Barby Jo Crema, singer, Oceanville. "The Best From This Moment On". Judith Webster, singer, Mahwah. "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair". Barbara Ross, tap dancer, Southampton. "42nd Street"...

Last year, Harrah's Resort and Casino became the new home of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT. This year, the 2009 pageant was held on Thursday, June 4th. Elegant ladies 60 years old and over, came from different parts of the Garden State, and graced the stage of the Concert Venue Theater. The pageant began with a patriotic salute led by the Atlantic City High School Junior ROTC, and a stirring rendition of "God Bless America", was sung by New Jersey State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori. Helen Halpin McCarney served as Mistress of Ceremonies, and was assisted by Johanne Santori. A comedienne and fabulous entertainer, Helen's comedy routines, songs and impersonations brought the house down with laughter. At 93 years young, pianist Elva Lawrence, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 1987, delighted the audience with a surprise medley of songs, and had everyone clapping and singing along. Choreographer Melanie Brough staged a clever number for the contestants to the s...

Thirteen elegant ladies from the Class of 2009 had the opportunity to meet each at a luncheon that was sponsored by the New Jersey Senior America Cameo Club. The event was held at The Regency at Dover in Toms River, on Monday, May 18th. The luncheon was organized by President Delores Puzio, and committee, which included Lyn Gibson, vice-president, Cathy Clark, secretary, and Doris Criscione, treasurer. Also in attendance, was New Jersey State Pageant Director, Johanne Santori. This reporter spoke to several ladies afterward, by phone and asked them to comment on the luncheon and the upcoming pageant. Johanne Santori: All the ladies this year possess brains, poise, talent and beauty. Their preliminary interviews were so impressive ... each lady has a different, yet impressive resume. I expect great things from them all! Delores Puzio: I was very impressed at the friendliness of all the ladies at the luncheon. They talked to each other very easily, and were supportive of one another. The...

"Curtain up! Light the lights! They've got nothing to hit but the heights!" The paraphrased words of this popular song from the musical "Gypsy" describe the atmosphere at Harrah's in Atlantic City these days. The air is filled with excitement in anticipation of the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2009. On Thursday, June 4th, thirteen beautiful ladies who have reached the " age of elegance" , or 60 years and over, will grace the stage of the Concert Venue Theater, to compete for the coveted title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2009. This year's class started out with 15 women, but 2 dropped out for personal reasons. The thirteen gracious ladies who remain, have been busy sharpening their skills to impress the judges. They will be judged in 4 catagories: Evening Gown, Philosophy of Life, Personal Interview, and Talent. The time has come to reveal the list of the Class of 2009 to all our members, sponsors, patrons and faithful readers to our...

" age of elegance" TO: OUR MEMBERS, SPONSORS, PATRONS, AND FAITHFUL READERS OF OUR BLOG FROM: Josephine Araniti/ Publicity, NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 6 Piedmont Court Brick, NJ 08724 (732) 202-1494; e-mail: tomori8@aol.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2009 Lights! Music! Action! Fifteen elegant ladies, 60 years and older, who come from different parts of the Garden State, will grace the stage at Harrah’s to compete for the coveted title of MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2009. Harrah’s Resort Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City will again host the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2009. The event will be held on Thursday, June 4th in the Concert Venue Theater at 1:00 pm. Contestants are judged in four categories: Interview, Philosophy of Life, Evening Gown, and Talent. Upon winning the State title, the Queen becomes the delegate from New Jersey and will compete in the national pageant ...

Little did the 3 Queens from the New Jersey Cameo Club realize how happy they made the members of the Ocean Township Rotary Club, on Wednesday, April 15th. Current NJSA Queen Jo Ann Gordon coordinated the appearance for the Rotary Club's weekly luncheon which was held at The Renaissance Hotel in Ocean Township. She asked Josephine Araniti, MS NJSA 2007, and Delores Puzio, MS DELAWARE SA 2008 to appear with her. The ladies were invited to a sumptuous lunch beforehand. They thought that the members who sat at their table were so interesting to talk to and were very gracious dinner companions. Of special interest which occurred during lunch was a fun activity called "happy dollars" . Any member could stand up and tell about what made them happy, or sometimes sad, and then offer as many "dollars" that they wished to. The dollars then go into the Club's treasury. That afternoon, one member after another welcomed the 3 Queens, putting in 3 dollars each time. Lat...

Elva Lawrence is a very special lady. At 92 years young, she is still a performing member of the New Jersey Cameo Club. An accomplished pianist, she delights audiences young and old with her surprise "twists" on the piano classics. At first, you think that you were in for 10 minutes of "long haired" music. Then, after a serious introduction, and a flurry of fanfares, she does a quick reversal, and plays one popular song after another, meshing each tune with the skill of a true artist. Eventually, her performance becomes a sing-a-long, and everyone has a great time singing together. The following interview, which is done in Q & A format, reveals Elva's unique and interesting story: Q: How did you hear about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT? A: Through Jan Dickenson, who was the New Jersey State Queen in 1986, and also MS SENIOR AMERICA 1986. We both lived in Leisuretown in Southampton. She became my coach, and helped me through man...